Mapo Tofu / china king menu-2024
Here’s a complete recipe for Mapo Tofu, a popular and flavorful Sichuan dish known for its spicy, numbing, and savory taste:
Ingredients:
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons Doubanjiang (fermented broad bean paste)
- 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns (toasted and ground)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (Chinese cooking wine)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
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For the Dish:
- 400g soft or silken tofu (cut into cubes)
- 200g ground pork or beef (optional for a vegetarian version)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1-inch piece of ginger (minced)
- 2 green onions (finely sliced, whites and greens separated)
- 1 tablespoon chili oil (adjust to spice tolerance)
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Garnish:
- Chopped green onion greens
- Extra ground Sichuan peppercorns
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Instructions:
- Prepare the Tofu:
- Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer and add a pinch of salt.
- Carefully slide in the tofu cubes and cook for 2-3 minutes. This step firms the tofu and removes excess water. Drain and set aside.
- Toast and Grind Sichuan Peppercorns:
- In a dry pan, toast Sichuan peppercorns until fragrant, then grind into a fine powder. Reserve for later.
- Cook the Aromatics:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of green onions. Stir-fry until fragrant.
- Cook the Meat (if using):
- Add ground pork or beef to the wok and stir-fry until browned and crumbly.
- Add the Doubanjiang and Chili Oil:
- Stir in the Doubanjiang and cook for 1-2 minutes to release its aroma.
- Add chili oil and mix well.
- Make the Sauce:
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce (if using), and sugar. Stir to combine.
- Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- Stir the cornstarch slurry and add it to the sauce, mixing until it thickens slightly.
- Add the Tofu:
- Gently add the tofu cubes to the sauce. Simmer for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the tofu to absorb the flavors.
- Finish the Dish:
- Sprinkle in the ground Sichuan peppercorns and mix gently.
- Adjust seasoning with salt or additional soy sauce if needed.
- Serve:
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with green onion greens and a sprinkle of Sichuan peppercorn powder.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot with steamed white rice.
- Pair with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a light soup for a balanced meal.
Enjoy your spicy, numbing, and savory Mapo Tofu! 😊